Daniel von Bargen -- who played Mr. Kruger in "Seinfeld" -- is clinging to life in an Ohio hospital after shooting himself in the head Monday morning in a failed suicide attempt ... and TMZ has the bizarre 911 tape in which he calls for help.
Daniel tells the 911 operator, "I've shot myself in the head ... and I need help."
The operator asks if it was an accident -- Daniel replies, "I was supposed to go to the hospital and I didn't want to." Daniel explains, "They were supposed to amputate at least a few toes."
The operator asks where the gunshot wound is -- Daniel replies, "I shot in my temple."
Law enforcement officials confirm they were dispatched to von Bargen's Cincinnati apartment complex for a "possible suicide."
Von Bargen was transported to a nearby hospital where he is currently in critical condition.